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Delicious Food and Keeping it Safe

Is Rabbit Federally Inspected ?

Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspects swine, cattle and calves, equine, sheep, and goats. Under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), the FSIS inspects "domesticated poultry" which is defined as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, ratites, and squab.

Congress has not mandated inspection of rabbits under either the FMIA or the PPIA; therefore, inspection of rabbit is voluntary.

Voluntary inspection of animals, including buffalo, antelope, reindeer, elk, deer, migratory water fowl, game birds, and rabbit, is handled under the Agricultural Marketing Act. Under voluntary inspection, each rabbit and its internal organs are inspected for signs of disease. The "Inspected for Wholesomeness by USDA" mark of inspection ensures the rabbit is wholesome and free from disease.

When a rabbit processor does not produce rabbit meat under FSIS voluntary inspection, they would be subject to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Some states, however, permit the sale of rabbit only if it is inspected under their laws.

The FDA has jurisdiction over the shipment of rabbit meat in interstate commerce.

Posted: Wednesday 19th January 2005, 12:25 AM
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